I used to both love and hate the holidays. In many ways, I still think my “best” holidays were when I was a child and when my children and grand children were young. Having youngsters around helps us all to see holidays through the eyes of a child, and that is something we all need now and then.
Over the years, I have prepared for myself a virtual kit of tools that allow me to enjoy the holiday season and keep my sanity. The tool I use the most is keeping my expectations realistic. I used to have so many people in our house that I often wished for smaller celebrations. I know God has a sense of humor, because he lets me know that when she gives me something I wish for, I am still frequently unhappy with it. Our celebration these days (and for some past years) has become much smaller so I have learned to enjoy what I have instead of yearning for what it not possible.
My next most used tool is trying not to overdo anything. I send fewer Christmas cards, I try to eat less sugar, I make sure I get more rest, I plan my shopping in small junkets. I accept whatever physical limitations I have. They vary from year to year, but with the aging process has come a few that are with me all the time. This year I have had some back difficulties that make bending over painful, so I am wrapping less boxed presents and using more gift bags.
Another tool I need to pull out of the box frequently is to ask myself if I am having fun. If I am not, I can ask myself “why not,” and then go on to ask myself what I could do that would make things fun for me. Sitting by my parlor window with a nice warm shawl, a cup of coffee or tea, and a few Christmas cookies while I watch the snow fall can make me feel very peaceful and happy. I have learned that I also need to stay focused on the fact that I am, indeed, feeling happy. Awareness is a beautiful thing, but it is transient and needs to be cultivated.
I wish you a blessed holiday season, whatever you might be celebrating. Use some of my tools or create some for yourself. You will be glad you did.
godawarenessdaily 